Last updated: March 2026
These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in La Hesperia programs and your use of the lahesperia.com website. By applying to or joining any program, you agree to these terms.
La Hesperia offers several programs including Research & Internship, Volunteering, Worldschooling & Family Residencies, and Remote Work. All programs are subject to availability and require prior confirmation by La Hesperia.
Program acceptance is at La Hesperia's discretion. We reserve the right to decline applications without obligation to provide reasons.
Your participation is confirmed only once you receive written confirmation from La Hesperia and any required deposit or payment has been received. Arrivals to the reserve are on Mondays only. The reserve is closed December 23 – January 3.
Program fees are communicated individually based on program type, duration, and accommodation preference. All fees are in USD unless otherwise agreed. Payment terms will be specified in your confirmation.
Program fees contribute directly to the conservation and operation of La Hesperia.
Cancellation terms are agreed upon at the time of confirmation. In general:
La Hesperia reserves the right to cancel or modify programs due to circumstances beyond our control (natural events, security concerns, health emergencies). In such cases, we will offer an alternative date or a full refund.
All participants are required to have valid international medical insurance covering emergency treatment and evacuation in Ecuador for the full duration of their stay. This is a mandatory, non-negotiable requirement.
Participants acknowledge that activities at La Hesperia — including hiking, farm work, and fieldwork — involve inherent physical risk. Participants accept responsibility for their own safety and agree to follow all instructions given by La Hesperia staff.
La Hesperia has a first aid station on-site and a WFR-certified team member. The nearest hospital is in Santo Domingo, approximately one hour away.
Participants are expected to respect the reserve, its ecosystems, and all staff and co-participants. La Hesperia reserves the right to ask any participant to leave without refund if their conduct is deemed harmful to the reserve, the community, or other participants.
Participants are solely responsible for ensuring they hold the correct visa or entry documentation for Ecuador for the full duration of their stay. La Hesperia provides orientation and guidance but does not handle visa applications or bear legal responsibility for immigration matters.
Participants may photograph and record their experience for personal use. Commercial use of photographs or recordings taken at La Hesperia requires prior written consent. La Hesperia may photograph programs for promotional purposes; participants who do not wish to appear in promotional materials should inform us before or upon arrival.
All content on lahesperia.com — including text, design, photography, and branding — is the property of La Hesperia unless otherwise noted. It may not be reproduced or used without written permission.
To the extent permitted by Ecuadorian law, La Hesperia is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in programs or use of this website. Our maximum liability for any claim related to a program is limited to the fee paid for that program.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Ecuador. Any disputes arising from these Terms or program participation shall be resolved under Ecuadorian jurisdiction.
Questions about these Terms can be directed to alexandra@lahesperia.com or via WhatsApp at +593 999 578 369.